Fibrin sealant applicator

ABSTRACT

An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a second component of a biological adhesive. The applicator includes a housing having a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containing the first component, and a second reservoir containing the second component. The housing further includes an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assembly having a first and a second conduit in communication with the first and second reservoir, respectively. An activator assembly is provided which includes an activator and a rachet mechanism for compressing the reservoirs within the housing for dispensing the biological components into the conduits. An applicator tip having two separate channels in communication with the conduits may be provided on a distal end of the elongated body portion for dispensing the components on the application site. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin which intermix to form a fibrin sealant.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosure relates generally to an applicator for applying atissue sealant based on human or animal proteins and more particularlyto an apparatus for applying an adhesive formed by combining solutionsof the proteins to tissues or organs for sealing wounds, stoppingbleeding and the like.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] A fibrin sealant is a biological adhesive formed by mixing twoprotein components, namely, fibrinogen and thrombin. Each proteincomponent is derived from human plasma and is subjected to viruselimination procedures. The components are typically individuallydehydrated and stored in separate vials as sterile freeze-dried powders.

[0005] It is known that purified fibrinogen and thrombin, together witha variety of known adjuvants, can be combined in vitro to produce apolymer having great potential benefit, both as a hemostatic agent andas a tissue adhesive. Because of the rapid polymerization upon intimateinteraction of fibrinogen and thrombin, it is important to maintainthese two blood proteins separate until applied at the application site.These protein solutions are generally delivered by devices such as adual syringe apparatus.

[0006] One dual syringe apparatus for applying a fibrinogen-based tissueadhesive is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,359,049 to Redl et al. Redl etal. disclose a mechanism in which two standardized one-way syringes areheld in a support having a common actuating means. The dispensing end ofeach syringe is inserted into a collection manifold where the twocomponents are mixed. The components are then dispensed through a commonneedle capable of covering a limited area of the application site.

[0007] It is often desirable or necessary to cover a broad area of awound, either to stop bleeding, to fix tissue or to prevent infection.It is also desirable to prevent the two components from mixing withinthe dispensing device.

[0008] Further, all known devices for dispensing solutions of fibrinogenand thrombin require the addition of these proteins in powdered form tothe body of the syringe. This makes the proteins susceptible tocontamination by impurities which may enter the syringe body. Furtherstill, the use of the syringe body to mix the proteins with water tocreate the protein solutions can cause the solutions to leak out fromeither the dispensing end of each syringe or the proximal end of thesyringe body.

[0009] Additionally, a dual syringe apparatus for the application offibrinogen and thrombin solutions to an application site generallycontains several parts, such as a syringe plunger, a “Y” manifoldconnector, a dispensing needle, a syringe holder, syringe needles, andconduits for transporting the solutions to the dispensing needle.Therefore, known fibrin sealant applicators, such as disclosed in U.S.patent to Redl et al. discussed above, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,874,368 toMiller et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,942 to Wolf et al. are difficultto reuse. The replenishment of the protein components typically requireremoving a clip which couples the syringe plunger, removing the syringeplunger, detaching the syringes from the “Y” connector, removing thesyringes from the holder, inserting new syringes, affixing the syringesto the “Y” connector, adding fibrinogen to one syringe and thrombin toanother syringe, adding sterile water to each syringe, replacing thesyringe plunger, replacing the plunger clip, and mixing the solutions.In an application where time is of the essence, such a lengthyreplenishing process is impractical and cumbersome.

[0010] Furthermore, known applicators for dispensing a biologicaladhesive require the manual exertion of a force on the proteincomponents so they can be dispensed from the applicator. Typically, amanual force is exerted on the components by means of the plunger in thestandard one-way syringe. This type of arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 4,359,049 discussed above, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,055 to Redl etal. Manually exerting a force on a plunger located at proximal end ofthe applicator can make the application of the adhesive difficult. Forexample, the user is unable to clearly view the application site whenholding the applicator perpendicularly to the application site. Further,such an arrangement causes air to enter the syringes causing difficultyin exerting a force via the syringe plunger.

[0011] Thus, there is a need in the art for a fibrin sealant applicatorwherein the adhesive covers a broad area of a wound, either to stopbleeding, to fix tissue or to prevent infection. There is also a needfor a fibrin sealant applicator wherein a manual force is applied via anactivator assembly having a mechanism for preventing air from enteringreservoirs containing the solutions. Further, there is a need for afibrin sealant applicator wherein the adhesive components are notsusceptible to contamination and the adhesive components are notintermixed within the applicator.

[0012] In addition, there is a need for a fibrin sealant applicatorwherein the component solutions are easily replenished. There is also aneed for a fibrin sealant applicator which is self-cleaning and reusablewith different component solutions. Further, there is a need for afibrin sealant applicator which is inexpensive to manufacture forallowing the applicator to be disposed of after use. Additionally, thereis a need for a fibrin sealant applicator which avoids wasting adhesivesolution and allows the application site to be clearly seen by the userwhen applying the component solutions perpendicular to the applicationsite.

SUMMARY

[0013] An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a secondcomponent of a biological adhesive. The applicator includes a housinghaving a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containingthe first component, and a second reservoir containing the secondcomponent. The housing further includes an elongated body portiondefining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assemblyhaving a first and a second conduit in communication with the first andsecond reservoir, respectively. An activator assembly is provided whichincludes an activator and a rachet mechanism for compressing thereservoirs within the housing to dispense the biological components intothe conduits. An applicator tip having two separate channels incommunication with the conduits may be provided on a distal end of theelongated body portion for dispensing the components at the applicationsite. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen andthrombin which intermix to form a fibrin sealant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to thedrawings, wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fibrinsealant applicator;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a rachet member on an activatorassembly shown by FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the reservoir assembly depicted inFIG. 2;

[0020]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showingthe placement of the reservoir assembly of FIG. 4 within the housing;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of thereservoir assembly,

[0022]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theapplicator showing the placement of the reservoir assembly of FIG. 5therein;

[0023]FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred applicatortip having phantom channels and boresights for dispensing thecomponents;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 in FIG. 3showing the activator assembly in an inactivated state;

[0025]FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the rachet mechanism;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the activator assembly inan activated state;

[0027]FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the rachet mechanism guiding theactivator;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the activator assembly ina fully compressed state;

[0029] FIGS. 10-10B are enlarged views of an alternative collapsiblereservoir;

[0030] FIGS. 11-11A are cross-sectional views of an alternativereservoir having a frangible partition for separating a proteincomponent from a liquid;

[0031] FIGS. 12-12A are perspective views of the distal end of theapplicator having bellows for effectuating articulation of theapplicator tip;

[0032] FIGS. 13-13A are perspective views of an alternative distal endof the applicator having a sleeve and a shape memory tube for varyingthe angular position of the applicator tip;

[0033] FIGS. 14-14A are perspective views of an alternative distal endof the applicator having an angular cut;

[0034]FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an alternative distal end of theapplicator having a straight and a circular conduit;

[0035]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative distal end of theapplicator having an absorbable pad on each conduit;

[0036]FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the applicator having coaxialconduits;

[0037]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theapplicator having a drum activator in an inactivated state;

[0038]FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;

[0039]FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B in FIG.18A;

[0040]FIG. 18C is a top prospective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18showing the drum activator in a fully activated state;

[0041]FIG. 18D is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18D in FIG.18C;

[0042]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of theapplicator having a hinged-plate activator;

[0043]FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19A in FIG.19; and

[0044]FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 19showing the hinged-plate activator in a fully activated state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a fibrin sealant applicator according to apreferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The applicatordesignated generally by numeral 10 includes a housing 12 having ahousing head 14 and an elongated body portion 16 defining a longitudinalaxis. Housing head 14 contains a conically-shaped distal end 18 having abore 20 in the center thereof dimensioned to receive body portion 16.While the housing head 14 is shown as being rectangular, it isunderstood that other shapes that contribute to the ease of gripping andcontrolling the applicator 10 may be used.

[0046] The housing head 14 includes an opening 20 for receiving anactivator assembly 22 having an activator 24 for effectuating thedispensing of biological components as further described below. Anapplicator tip 26 is provided at a distal end 28 of the body portion 16having two boresights 30 for dispensing biological components containedwithin housing head 14. In the preferred embodiment, the biologicalcomponents are a fibrinogen solution and a thrombin solution whichintermix to form a fibrin sealant. It is to be understood, however, thatother biological fluids may be substituted, depending upon the choice ofmixture that is to be dispensed.

[0047] The internal components of housing 12 will now be discussed indetail with reference to FIGS. 2-5A. As shown in FIG. 2, housing 12 isformed from molded housing half sections 12 a and 12 b which are formedwith internal partitions configured to properly align the internalcomponents of the applicator 10 with respect to each other and toprevent movement of the components. The internal components of theapplicator 10 include a reservoir assembly 32 and a conduit assembly 34.The two assemblies are interrelated with each other and with theactivator assembly 22 discussed above.

[0048] Reservoir assembly 32 includes a first 36 and second reservoir38, and two plugs 40. First reservoir 36 and second reservoir 38 arepreferably constructed from a flexible material and contain the firstand second biological components, respectively. A window 37 on housinghalf-section 12 a will permit a user to view the contents within thefirst 36 and second reservoir 38. First 36 and second reservoir 38include a first cylindrical extension 42 having a central throughbore 44at a distal end 46, a second cylindrical extension 48 having a centralthroughbore 50 at a proximal end 52. Central throughbore 50 is used forplacing the biological components in the reservoirs 36 and 38. Plug 40is used to vacuum seal central throughbore 50 to prevent contaminationof the biological components. The plug 40 includes a silicon surface 56capable of being penetrated by a syringe needle for adding a liquid,preferably sterile water, within reservoirs 36 and 38 to intermix withthe biological components to form protein solutions. The proteinsolutions are dispensed on the application site, as further discussedbelow.

[0049] The conduit assembly 34 includes two conduits 58 each having anozzle 60 for matingly engaging the cylindrical extension 42 on first 36and second reservoir 38 for connecting conduit assembly 34 to reservoirassembly 32. The conduit assembly 34 is mounted within housing 12 asillustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 2 Two phantom channels 61 withinapplicator tip 26, each leading to one of the two boresights 30, arepreferably press fitted to the distal end of the conduits 58 forproviding fluid communication between the conduit assembly 34 and theapplicator tip 26.

[0050]FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the activator assembly22. As described in greater detail below, the activator assembly 22controls the pressure exerted on reservoirs 36 and 38, and includes theactivator 24 and a rachet member 62. The activator 24 includes anactivation area 64, a shaft 66, and a disc 68. The shaft 66 connects theactivation area 64 with the disc 68. The rachet member 62 extendsdownwardly from disc 68 and includes teeth 70 for engaging teeth 72 onan inner extension 74 of housing 12 to form structure for controllingthe position of the activator 24. The control structure is a rachetmechanism 73. The rachet member 62 is preferably formed integral withthe disc 68. Activator 24 may be formed with a transparent material orwith a transparent window therein to permit viewing of the internalcomponents of the applicator 10.

[0051] An assembled cross-sectional, top view of the applicator 10illustrating the flow of the protein solutions is shown by FIG. 3. Theprotein solutions are kept separated to prevent intermixing and thecreation of a fibrin sealant within the applicator 10. Upon exertion ofpressure on activator 24, components are forced through conduit assembly34 to applicator tip 26.

[0052]FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the reservoirassembly 32. The first and second reservoir 38 are identical forencasing an equal volumetric amount of their respective protein solutionas compared to the other reservoir. It is contemplated to provide adifferent color for each reservoir 36 and 38 to easily recognize thereservoir containing fibrinogen and the reservoir containing thrombin.It is further contemplated to provide a different shape for eachreservoir for the same purpose. However, the volumetric amount storedwithin the first reservoir 36 should be equal to the volumetric amountstored within the second reservoir 38 to maintain a predeterminedfibrinogen to thrombin solution ratio, which is typically a 1:1 ratio.

[0053] A perspective view of the reservoir assembly 32 of FIG. 4 asplaced within housing 12 is illustrated by FIG. 4A. It is contemplatedthat the first 36 and the second reservoir 38 are manufactured from atransparent plastic for being able to view the amount of solution and todetermine if the solution has been sufficiently intermixed before beingdispensed on the application site. It is further contemplated to providecalibration markings on the first 36 and second reservoir 38. It isadditionally contemplated that reservoir assembly 32 is permanentlyaffixed to the conduit assembly 34. In such an embodiment, the reservoirassembly 32 and the conduit assembly 34 can be disposed of after eachuse and new reservoir and conduit assemblies can be fitted to applicator10.

[0054]FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate an alternative embodiment of applicator10 and reservoir assembly 32. Reservoir assembly 76 illustrated by FIG.5 includes a first 78 and second reservoir 80 having cylindricalextensions 82 fitted with plugs 84 for sealing the components. Theapplicator illustrated by FIG. 5A and designated generally by numeral 86is identical to applicator 10 without entry holes 54; with a differentpartition layout on housing half-section 12 b and with a differentconnecting method for connecting reservoirs 78 and 80 with conduitassembly 88. Specifically, conduit assembly 88 includes nozzles 90having a syringe needle (not shown) in a center thereof for penetratingsurface 92 on plugs 84. The protein solution are dispensed to conduitassembly 94 via the syringe needles. Two mounts 96 are provided toconduit assembly 88 to create a force directed towards the proximal endof applicator 86 when reservoirs 78 and 80 are forced against thesyringe needles to permit the syringe needles to penetrate surface 92 ofeach plug 84.

[0055] An enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of applicator tip 26is illustrated by FIG. 6. The applicator tip 26 is preferably made froma metallic alloy capable of being sterilized and includes a cylindricalproximal end 97 and an applicator head 98. Further, as mentioned above,applicator tip 26 includes two channels 61 for matingly engagingconduits 58. Each channel 61 extends through the applicator tip 26 toone of the two boresights 30 for dispensing the protein solutions to theapplication site. The cylindrical proximal end includes a claspingbutton 100 for matingly engaging a hole 102 in body portion 16. Whenapplicator tip 26 is connected to body portion 16, a circumferentialsurface 104 dividing the cylindrical proximal end 96 with the applicatorhead 106 is made flush with a distal end surface 108 of body portion 16.

[0056] The operation of applicator 10 will now be described in detailwith reference to FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 7 depicts the applicator 10 with theactivator 24 in an inactivated state As illustrated by FIG. 7A, theactivator 24 is maintained in the inactivated state by the rachetmechanism 73 which has teeth 70 on rachet member 62 for lockinglyengaging teeth 72 on the inner extension of 74 of housing 12.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8A, there is illustrated theactivator assembly 22 in an activated state. By exerting pressure to theactivation area 64, the rachet mechanism 73 guides the activator 24downwardly and the shaft 66 is forced further into the housing 12. Asthe shaft 66 enters the housing 12, the rachet mechanism 73 and the disc68 compress reservoir 36 to dispense the protein solution via nozzle 60into conduit assembly 34.

[0058] When ceasing to exert pressure to the activation area 64, theactivator 24 is prevented from returning to the inactivated state by therachet mechanism 73. As a result air cannot be sucked into thereservoirs 36 and 38 causing difficulty in further compressingreservoirs 36 and 38. Further, the position of the activator 24 withrespect to housing half-section 12 a provides a reference as to theamount of solution remaining in the first 36 and second reservoir 38.For example, when the activator 24 is in a fully activated state, asshown by FIG. 9, there is a small amount of solution left in the first36 and second reservoir 38. Although the preferred embodiment has beendescribed with a particular activator assembly, it is understood thatother similar assemblies may be employed, as described below withreference to FIGS. 18-19B.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 10-10B, there is illustrated an alternativeembodiment of a reservoir designated generally by numeral 150. Reservoir150, as reservoir 36, includes includes plug 40 to vacuum seal centralthroughbore 50 and the cylindrical extension 42 for connecting to theconduit assembly 34. However, unlike reservoir 36 which is constructedfrom a flexible material, reservoir 150 is constructed from acollapsible or nonflexible material which prevents the reservoir 150from resuming its original, uncompressed shape as depicted by FIG. 10after being compressed. As shown by FIGS. 10A and 10B, after thereservoir 150 is compressed, it does not resume its original,uncompressed shape.

[0060] An alternative reservoir is illustrated by FIGS. 11 and 11A andis designated generally by numeral 110. Reservoir 110 is identical toreservoir 36, but with the addition of a frangible partition 112. Thepartition 112 separates the dehydrated protein 114 with the mixingliquid 116. The frangible partition 112 is broken by applying pressureto the collapsible reservoir 110, as indicated by the arrows in FIG.11A, to mix the ingredients therein to form the protein solution.

[0061] Although four embodiments for the reservoirs have beenillustrated and described, it is to be understood that the applicator 10could be fitted with any of a number of different reservoirs, including,without limitation, syringes, bags or tubing. Furthermore, although thepreferred embodiment for the reservoir assembly 32 has but tworeservoirs, it is to be understood that additional reservoirs containingother solutions can be incorporated within applicator 10.

[0062] FIGS. 12-17 illustrate alternative embodiments for the distal endof applicator 10. FIGS. 12 and 12A illustrate body portion 16 beingprovided with bellows 118 for effectuating articulation of theapplicator tip 26 for altering the dispensing angle with respect tolongitudinal axis of the body portion 16.

[0063]FIGS. 13 and 13A illustrate body portion 16 having shape memorymetal 120 for altering the dispensing angle as sleeve 122 is movedproximally. The memory metal 120 resumes a straight configuration whensleeve 122 is pushed distally as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13A.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 14A, there is illustrated anotherembodiment for altering the dispensing angle. In this embodiment,applicator tip 26 has been removed and the distal end of body portion 16is provided with an angular cut 124 having approximately a 45° anglewith respect to the longitudinal axis. The conduits 58 have curveddistal ends to align with the 45° angular cut 124 for dispensing theprotein solutions at a 45° angle from the longitudinal axis.

[0065]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate two additional alternative embodimentsfor the distal end of body portion 16. These embodiments includeconduits which extend beyond the distal end of body portion 16.

[0066] The embodiment of FIG. 15 includes one straight conduit 126 andone conduit 128 having a circular configuration 130. The circularconfiguration 130 is provided with holes 132 on a side 134 facing thecenter of the circular configuration 130. One of the protein solutionsexits the applicator 10 via holes 132 on conduit 128. This proteinsolution is intermixed with the protein solution which exits conduit126. The embodiment of FIG. 15 is best suited for providing the fibrinsealant on small incisions or cuts which can be localized by circularconfiguration 130.

[0067] The embodiment of FIG. 16 includes pads 136 fitted at the distalend of conduits 138. The pads 136 are formed of a sponge-like materialcapable of absorbing the protein solutions. The pads 136 are used tospread the protein solutions on the application site. This embodiment isbest suited for external wounds or larger internal site configuration.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 17, there is illustrated an alternativeembodiment for body portion 16. Two coaxial paths 140 and 142 are formedwithin body portion 16. In this embodiment, a portion of conduits 58 areused to transport the protein solutions from the first 36 and secondreservoir 38 to the proximal end of body portion 16 where they dispensethe protein solutions within coaxial paths 140 and 142. The paths 140and 142 transport the solutions to the application site. It iscontemplated that the paths 140 and 142 have an identical volumetriccapacity for transporting an equal amount of each solution to theapplication site.

[0069] As mentioned earlier, reference will now be made to twoalternative embodiments for the activator assembly 22.

[0070]FIG. 18 illustrates an applicator designated generally by numeral200 having a housing 202 including a housing head 204 and an elongatedbody portion 206. An applicator tip 208 is provided at a distal end 210of body portion 206. An activator assembly 211 is provided on housinghead 204 having a first and a second set of lateral finger grips 212 and214. The first set 212 is stationary and the second set 214 isconfigured for movement along two horizontal slots 216 provided on eachside of housing head 204.

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a cylindrical drum 218 isaffixed to the second set of lateral finger grips 214. When theactivator assembly 211 is in an inactivated state, as shown by FIGS. 18Aand 18B, the drum 218 rests against the proximal end of reservoirs 220and 222. In an activated state, as shown by FIGS. 18C and 18D, thesecond set of lateral finger grips 214 are brought towards the first set212. The forward lateral movement of the second set 214 translates thedrum 218 over reservoirs 220 and 222 to dispense the protein solutionsvia nozzles 224 to conduit assembly 226. The relative position of thesecond set of lateral finger grips 214 to the first set 212 provides areference regarding the amount of solution remaining in each reservoir220 and 222.

[0072] The second alternative embodiment for the activator assembly 22will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19-19B, which depict anapplicator designated generally by numeral 300. Applicator 300 includesan activator assembly 302 having a pair of hinged-plates 304 connectedvia hinge 306 and a slide 308. Housing 310 is provided with a cut-outportion 312 for guiding the slide 308 forward to create a plying actionon reservoirs 314 and 316, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 19B, todispense the protein solutions via nozzles 318 to conduit assembly 320.The relative position of the slide 308 along the cut-out portion 312provides a reference regarding the amount of solution remaining in eachreservoir 314 and 316.

[0073] It is also contemplated that conduits which have differentdiameters may be provided for allowing the biological components to bedispensed in different ratios. Further, an activator assembly may beprovided which uses pressurized gas to dispense the components from thereservoirs.

[0074] Therefore, it is understood that various modifications may bemade to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, while specificpreferred embodiments of the conduit, activator, rachet and reservoirassemblies, have been described in detail, structures that performsubstantially the same function in substantially the same way to achievesubstantially the same result can also be used. Also, besides applying afibrin sealant, the fibrin sealant applicator can be used to preformhuman or veterinary surgical procedures including applying antiseptics,medication and other similar procedures. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art willenvision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claimsappended thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An applicator for dispensing a multicomponentbiological adhesive, the applicator comprising: a housing configured toreceive a plurality of collapsible reservoirs each having a sealableopening therein; a conduit assembly having a pair of conduits, inrespective fluid communication with separate of said reservoirs; and anactivator assembly provided on said housing having an activator moveablefrom a first position to a second position to compress each of saidplurality of reservoirs to dispense said components through said pair ofconduits to a distal end thereof.
 2. The applicator of claim 1 furthercomprising an applicator tip having a pair of channels each being influid communication with said distal end of one of said pair ofconduits.
 3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said activator assemblyincludes control structure for restricting said activator from returningto said first position after the activator is moved from said firstposition.
 4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein said control structureincludes a rachet mechanism.
 5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein saidactivator assembly includes a pair of hinged-plates mounted forengagement with said plurality of reservoirs and a compression assemblyoperably engageable with said hinged-plates to compress said pluralityof reservoirs as said activator is moved from said first to said secondposition to dispense said components.
 6. The applicator of claim 1wherein said activator assembly includes a drum and the activator is apair of finger grips for effectuating movement of said drum as said pairof finger grips are moved from said first to said second position. 7.The applicator of claim 1 wherein each of said pair of conduits includeindependent distal exits, such that said first and second componentsintermix external to said applicator.
 8. The applicator of claim 1wherein said conduit assembly further comprising a first nozzle disposedabout a first of said pair of conduits and a second nozzle disposedabout a second of said pair of conduits.
 9. The applicator of claim 1wherein said first component is a thrombin solution and said secondcomponent is a fibrinogen solution, whereby said adhesive is a fibrinsealant.
 10. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said adhesive comprises apredetermined ratio of said first component to said second component.11. The applicator of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a housinghead for storing said plurality of reservoirs therein and an elongatedbody portion extending from said housing head.
 12. The applicator ofclaim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of reservoirs includes afrangible partition therein for separating said first component or saidsecond component from a liquid.
 13. The applicator of claim 12 whereinsaid reservoirs include a first portion containing said first componentor said second component and a second portion containing said liquiddivided by said frangible partition.
 14. The applicator of claim 11wherein a distal end of said elongated body portion includes structurefor collectively altering the angle of dispensing of said firstcomponent and said second component at an angle with respect to aproximal end of the elongated body portion.
 15. The applicator of claim14 wherein said means for altering the angle of dispensing includesbellows for effectuating articulation of said distal end.
 16. Theapplicator of claim 14 wherein said means for altering the angle ofdispensing includes a shape memory tube in alignment with said bodyportion and a sleeve overlaying said tube, where said tube assumes adifferent angular configuration with respect to a longitudinal axis ofsaid body portion as said sleeve is moved proximally.
 17. The applicatorof claim 14 wherein said means for altering the angle of dispensingincludes providing an angular cut to said distal end of said bodyportion and curving a distal end of each of said pair of conduits toalign with said angular cut.
 18. The applicator of claim 1 wherein afirst of said pair of conduits includes a distal end having a circularconfiguration aligned with a plurality of holes on a side facing inwardof said circular configuration, and a second of said pair of conduitsincludes a distal end substantially above the circular configuration.19. The applicator of claim 1 wherein a distal end of each of said pairof conduits includes a pad for absorbing and spreading said firstcomponent and said second component.
 20. The applicator of claim 1wherein said pair of conduits form coaxial paths within said bodyportion.
 21. An applicator for dispensing a first and a second componentof a biological adhesive, the applicator comprising: a housing having afirst dispensing conduit for dispensing the first component and a seconddispensing conduit for dispensing the second component independent ofthe first component; and an activator assembly in communication with thedispensing conduits and both a first reservoir containing the firstcomponent and a second reservoir containing the second component, forexerting pressure on the reservoirs for dispensing the components to thedispensing conduits.
 22. The applicator of claim 21 further comprisingan applicator tip in communication with the dispensing conduits.
 23. Theapplicator of claim 21 wherein said first component is a thrombinsolution and said second component is a fibrinogen solution, wherebysaid adhesive is a fibrin sealant.
 24. The applicator of claim 21wherein said dispensing conduits form coaxial paths within said housing.25. A manually-operated applicator for dispensing a multicomponentbiological adhesive, the applicator comprising: a conduit assemblyhaving a pair of conduits; a collapsible reservoir assembly having afirst reservoir containing the first adhesive component and a secondreservoir containing the second adhesive component, the first reservoirbeing in communication with a first of said pair of conduits and thesecond reservoir being in communication with a second of said pair ofconduits; and an activator assembly having an activator for impartingpressure to said first and second reservoirs to effect dispensing ofsaid first and second components to said pair of conduits.
 26. Themanually operated applicator of claim 25 wherein the conduit assemblyand the reservoir assembly are supported within a single housing.